How to Ensure CPAP Therapy Works for You?
Are you new to CPAP therapy? It won’t be easy to get yourself used to this therapy. At first, you may hate it and even try to avoid wearing your mask while sleeping, considering you have to sleep uncomfortably. But with time, you will get accustomed to it. In this blog, we are sharing with you some easy tips to help you make it easier to get used to sleep apnea therapy. Hence, you can get started and enjoy a quality sleep while getting plenty of night’s sleep.
Don’t forget to wear your CPAP mask while sleeping
It may be easy to neglect this part but it’s quite crucial. Make sure to use your mask every night while sleeping and even for naps, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. Slowly, you will get accustomed to it and won’t even feel it while sleeping.
It is recommended to avoid taking naps as a CPAP beginner, as it can reduce your night’s sleep. When you have not taken any afternoon naps, you are likely to feel tired at night and sleep faster. This makes it easier to fall asleep while getting used to your new CPAP equipment. This way, your sleep quality will also increase over time.
Make sure CPAP mask is well-fitted
Before you try wearing your CPAP mask for sleep apnea, you need to research about the best fit for you. It is best to get yourself a well-fitted mask for a comfortable sleep. If you are not sure, consult your doctor and discuss your sleeping habits. A doctor may ask you whether you sleep on your back or side, do you breathe through your mouth, or some other related questions. These questions will help your doctor to determine your sleep requirements. As a result, he/she can recommend you the right mask as per your needs.
Practice it before actual use
Just like any other new habit takes time to develop, CPAP mask wearing is also the same. It may feel a little weird in the beginning. But if you won’t even wear it, you will surely have problems while sleeping. So, it is best to practice before even using it. You can begin wearing it even before your bedtime to get used to it. For instance, wear it even if you are sitting on a couch while relaxing in the evening. Or just wear it one hour prior to your bedtime, so you won’t feel weird getting it one while sleeping every night. The more you wear it, the sooner you will become comfortable with it.
Adjust your CPAP mask every night
Consider making small adjustments to your mask every night. If it falls off often while sleeping, tighten it. If you wake up with red marks on your face, you need to loosen it a bit. Even if your doctor fits it for you, you still have to make some changes to make it comfortable for you.
Make these adjustments when you are lying down with the mask on. Certain masks are likely to inflate with air on for sealing. So, when you make adjustments while wearing it, it can help you to assure you get the right fit.
Consider cleaning your CPAP components
You need to regularly clean CPAP components, like CPAP mask, hose, and humidifier chamber, to ensure the CPAP therapy remains effective throughout. With regular use, these components are likely to build up pathogens, bacteria, and fungi. Therefore, proper cleaning is essential after every use to get rid of pathogens and bacteria that may lead to infection.
It is best to invest in an advanced CPAP machine cleaner, like Lumin Multipurpose UVC sanitiser that emits UVC light for sanitization. All you need to do is place CPAP components in its tray, close it, and let its UVC light do its job. The device uses wavelength intensity at 254 nanometres for instant and highest sterilising effect. Hence, it effectively kills 99.9% of harmful bacteria, fungi, and pathogens that can cause illness and infection.
Use a CPAP humidifier to prevent throat and nose dryness
It is important to keep your throat and nose moist for effective CPAP therapy. But during the therapy, the air pressure from the CPAP device can make your throat and nose drier, if your room already has less moisture content.
So, humidity is vital for effective CPAP. It is best to invest in a CPAP device with integrated humidifier and heated tubing. Such devices enable the users to customize the humidity level as per their body requirement for a more comfortable sleep experience.
Conclusion
The key to effective CPAP therapy is to ensure you follow the mentioned tips carefully. One of the vital tips to keep in mind is regular cleaning of CPAP components. For proper and quick cleaning, consider using Lumin multipurpose UVC sanitiser. This may ensure your device remains free from germs and bacteria and you get to enjoy a peaceful sleep every night.
If you are still facing any issues despite following the given tips, you need to consult your doctor about the possible causes of this and the right treatment options.